mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Garages that are removed from MOT testing scheme to be made public

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DVSA have agreed with Ministers to make the information publicly available following the announcement by Justine Greening MP in 2012, of the Governments’ commitment to the Garage Customer Experience.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

MOT Garages testing station, owners opinion

So, as the owner of an MOT centre then I am not quit sure what this will achieve. Consequently, I know that there are thousands of normal garages. Strangely, who claim that they do MOT testing. Incredibly, but in fact do not. What they do is to take their customers car to an approved MOT  testing station. Consequently, having what we call “a trade test” carried out.

Of course, I am not saying that the car will not be tested correctly? But the test is not carried out by the garage and the car is not in their control. Subsequently, if the driver has an issue then he can not take it up directly with the testing station.

Customers should look out for the official MOT testing sign,

Concerned car owners should look out for an official MOT sign ! Usually outside the garage premises at the roadside. So looking the same as the one in my above image. Some garages have sort of look alike signs, but are not official testing stations.

I can only think that garages who have lost their  license to test cars because of a bad disciplinary record, still carry on taking cars in for testing, but have a trade test done at another official testing station, under the pretense that they still have a testing license, or simply do not remove their MOT Garages signs as if their still testing.

A list of banned testing sites will be published but i wonder who will read them?.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

Hankook Tyres-launches 4 HP

BMW MINI TYRES- 3 Millionth Engine built in the UK.

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BMW MINI TYRES

BMW MINI TYRES; Three million BMW Mini engines built in Hams Hall Birmingham UK

 Of course, the success story for the BMW Mini just goes on and on. Hence, you have only to look on our roads. Thus, to see how many of these excellent cars are on our roads. Consequently, the factory

where the BMW Mini is made. Is the first plant to be built outside of Germany. Of course, and is a compliment to all the people in Birmingham. Hence, with its great tradition of building good quality cars. Naturally, by a good quality workforce.

The factory that builds the BMW Mini is about 800 strong. Of course, and is expected to increase in size in the near future.

Last year (2011) . The British factory produced around 1.3 million new cars. This is expected to rise in 2012. This is a fantastic result. Therefore, it is anticipated that the UK car market. Thanks to the BMW Mini Coupe, will be a net exporter of cars for the first time since 1976 a great achievement for the British car market and their workers.

 

 

 

 

Cars and Climate Change

Electric Car Servicing-Buying An Electric ‘Compliance Car’? Think Hard About-

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There are now more than a dozen plug-in electric cars for sale in the U.S., but not all electric cars are created equal.

Eric Roberts’ insight:

Electric car Servicing

This is an interesting article about the difficulty that the American motorists could experience when wanting to repair or service their electric battery operated cars.

It tells of the state of California giving the car manufacturers a quota for a number of vehicles, that they are to supply as compared to normal gasoline engined ones.

The problem is that the amount of electric car servicing garages are in short supply, especially Toyota.

Fundamentally, the question on my mind is “whatever happened to the Right to Repair Laws” ! Naturally, that are in operation in the United States and in the European Union. Significantly, this states that service garages should be given the access to  technical details. Including all the cars that car manufacturers are making.

So, why can’t the regular garages service these cars? In fact recently, I paid an expert on electric cars to brief my staff about the impending influx of electric cars. Special equipment is required  ! Because these vehicle are extremely dangerous ! Of course due to the possibility of electric shocks.

Because of certain restrictions then it has always been a strong suspicion of mine.

So, that this work will be kept away from the independent garage sector. Resentfully, Electric Car Servicing will not be open to us. In many ways they cannot be blamed for wanting to protect all their investment and development. However, every other product that has ever been produced. So, would have had to start out somewhere!

Accepting this is difficult for me and  this won’t stick with me. Consequently, we should all have a share in this market as we do today. I hope the EU are looking at this, so that they can legislate against the car makers protectionism ! Giving us all a in the garage business a fair deal. Thus allowing us to carry out Electric Car Servicing, alongside petrol engine car servicing.

Importantly, we can service the “Hybrid cars” and indeed do so.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

See on finance.yahoo.com

Hankook Tyres-launches 4 HP

Apollo Tyres at Manchester United Partner Launch at Old Trafford the home of Manchester United

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Apollo Tyres

Six figure three-year deal with Manchester United

I have just arrived back from the three venue launch of a three-year deal with the iconic Manchester United. The venues were in Edinburgh, London and the final one took place at the Old Trafford home of Manchester United.

So, Apollo tyres are embarking on a three-year deal with Manchester United. To help launch the  brand here in the UK. The tyre company was first to make its tyres in Perambra, Kerala In India in 1976. They have since become the leading tyre maker in the national Capitol Region of India. Apollo was soon to be recognised for their excellent tyre products. For twenty years they kept them within the Indian economy.   Building their distinctive brand products and using good marketing initiatives to promote their products. Some of the things that Apollo did were to promote a customer loyalty scheme and help establish better-driving habits on the overcrowded Indian roads.

Apollo tyres then made the decision to expand outside of India and in 2006. They ventured into South Africa, by buying the Dunlop  International of South Africa, including the Regal tyres brand. This also included Zimbabwe and the Dunlop brand is now sold to over 30 African countries, using the renamed Apollo tyres Of South Africa brand name.

Apollo Tyres UK  then spread their wings into Europe

Consequently, acquiring Dutch tyre company Vredestein tyres, now known as Apollo Vredestein who also have strong links and a dealer network here in the UK. This was in 2009

Premiership trophy on display

and it was the plans of Apollo to set up a presence on yet another continent, Europe. The tyre company also went into partnership with a car battery manufacturer in Bangladesh in 2011.

The next step for Apollo tyres

Was to enter the North American marketplace, but after a huge setback failed to take over Cooper tyres and eventually pulled out of the deal.

Back here in the UK, Apollo has started to become a much larger player in the battle for tyre market share. Using the iconic Manchester United brand to become their launching pad for a market attack. I was invited as an independent tyre retailer, probably because of my past association with the Vredestein tyre brand, who are renowned for their excellent quality, especially their winter tyres collection.

We were to be on the third and final phase of the Apollo tyres promotional tour. With a tour of the Manchester United ground and museum. The tour was excellent and conducted by professional tour guides who gave some insight into the clubs history and background.

This was most interesting !

Because not everybody were football fans and the ones that were football fans supported other clubs. So, after the tour, we were all invited for an evening meal on the ground. Happily, we were able to take pictures of the Premier League trophy. Subsequently, which the club kindly displayed in the dining room.

After an excellent meal, we were treated to a question and answer session from ex-Manchester United player “Lou Macari” all transported back to the Hilton Hotel in Manchester. There we were all given overnight accommodation and then treat for evening drinks in the hotel rooftop bar, we all had an excellent time.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

UK motorists-1 in 10 think the MOT test is Only an OPTION?

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Millions of UK motorists are clueless

about the legal requirement for MOT test, insurance and road tax (Mot’s only cover approx 20% of your car being checked but servicing covers approx. 70% as i was told when i last…

Eric Roberts’ insight:

As the owner of an MOT test station

Of course, I do believe these figures from the excellent Auto express magazine. Significantly this article makes interesting reading ! Stating that 10% of UK motorists . Many car owners do not know that the MOT test is compulsory ! Importantly,  on cars that are over three years old.

The British government are computerizing the vehicle system. Including the whole system of car insuring and road tax along with the DVLA MOT Rules. In my opinion, they would be better off aligning the three systems. This of course would make it much easier to regulate and also for ease of use to the vehicle owners.

So, enabling it impossible to have one thing without the other ! Of course, at the moment, they are not aligned . Incredibly, you could have a car insured without an MOT test. In my opinion, this will be the Governments aim. Because at the end of this year the road tax disc will be abolished and the system will go online. Making it easier for the UK motorists, the List of New MOT Rules and  details will probably have to be entered along with the insurance details. Thus tightening up on the whole system which is at the moment flawed.

Today 2019, then this as all been implemented. Therefore no UK vehicles have to show a tax disc ! Vehicle data is all computerised and also available at any time for police officers to check.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

See on www.autoexpress.co.uk

 
mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed-to be introduced in May to reflect testing service changes-MOT Testing Halifax

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MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

In my mind then this falls in line with another aspect of the MOT testing scene. Last week the transport minister announced the scrapping of the first MOT test for cars of 4 year old.

As the owner of a testing station in Halifax, UK. This would have been a huge mistake. As a result the current 3 year spell will be resurrected from the scrap heap. Common sense and a lot of pressure from the garage industry showed the government what a mistake it would have been to implement the four year gap from new to the first test.

The second part of this article is about the introduction of a new MOT inspection manual. One of the implementations will be to to change the categorize a cars  defects so that they’re rated as dangerous, major, or minor.

This of course is one of those improvement that in my opinion existed on the old system. Just that the words have changed?

On this new system then the Minor is the same as the “old advisory” The major and the dangerous are both fails. The difference is that the dangerous part of fail is explained to the customer who will be warned that the car is too dangerous to drive away.

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed some parts confuse me

The “dangerous part of the fail was also available on the old system that will be replaced. So, it just looks like the swapping round of words. When talking to Ryan Linton, my MOT tester about the changes, then I became confused. We both agree that there did not seem like anything was wrong with the old part of the system with the old classes of mot reporting

It was either  pass or fail. With an option to list the car as dangerous which could be explained to the customer. As the tester an explanation for the dangerous would be given to the customer. In my simple mind then the new system looks confusing. Like anything else though, I suppose we will get used to it and everything will fall into place.

To finalise a great blog to explain all this the “matters of testing” blog and is worth a look at this subject.

The DVSA is to introduce its new MOT inspection manual for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles to reflect changes to the MOT test which will be introduced in May 2018. The new manual, which must

Source: New MOT inspection manual to be introduced in May to reflect testing service changes – Garagewire

leisure battery

Leisure Batteries Storage time again as Winter approaches?

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Leisure Batteries Storage

It is storing your Leisure Batteries Storage time

The extremely mild weather here in the UK. Has brought out all the spring flowers,(earlier than normal). It is also bringing out the caravan and motorhome users, into thinking about their first 2014 trips out. Hence, judging by the amount of leisure batteries that we are selling at the moment.

Normally we see a surge of sales and inquiries just a few weeks before Easter. But this year the sales are coming early. One of the most popular batteries that we sell. Thus,to the caravan and campervan (RV) fraternity is the XV31 110 amp leisure battery . This battery is made by a battery manufacturer in South Korea. This also covers smaller battery sizes, including XV 23, XV 24, and XV 27 and, of course, the XV31. This battery along with the LV26, and along with the smaller LV 22 are made by Johnson Controls . Of course one of the World’s leading battery developer and battery manufacturer.

This year is a particularly good time to buy this Leisure Batteries product. Because due to the mild winter.Subsequently, the sales of car batteries have dropped off. Meaning the leading battery companies are well down on sales of car batteries.So,are looking forward to the next battery season. Which includes the sale of leisure batteries, motorcycle batteries, mobility scooter batteries, golf cart batteries. Including, other seasonal things such as lawn mower batteries. Of course, the guys who are lucky enough to own a classic car. Classic car batteries are huge sellers.

Leisure Batteries Storage

What normally happens is that the owners of these types of battery-driven machines equipment will get them out as soon as the weather improves and start getting warmer, which is normally around April time here in the UK. But this year we are about three weeks to a month in front, due to the mild weather. In fact, I have recently seen a butterfly and many bees flying about and also the grass on my lawn needs cutting for the first time after the winter.

People all over will be getting out their golf and gardening equipment only to find that their battery is flat and will not work. Most of the time the battery will recover when it is charged, but people are reluctant to charge their battery throughout the winter months. Up to recent times, the battery chargers were of the old fashioned types that you put onto your battery

and then took off when the battery was fully charged but these days you can buy what they call “intelligent battery chargers”. These chargers are made by well-known companies such as “Ring Electrical” and “Numax”, and are well worth the investment. What you have to do is find out the correct amps that you require for your size of the battery, remove the Leisure Batteries from the caravan or lawn mower, whatever it is on, give the Leisure Batteries a clean and if it is not a sealed battery, check the levels.

You can then connect the leisure battery to the smart charger

, (preferably in a frost free place) and leave it to charge all the winter long. The charger will then keep your leisure battery charge topped up to the correct levels and automatically switch on and off when charging is required. This way you will end up with a nice clean fully charged the battery when the time comes to use it.

New batteries-Solar Energy Storage

New Type of Battery for Storing Solar Power Energy for night time use| MIT Technology Review

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New Type of Battery

Aquion manufactures New Type of Battery, long-lasting batteries for storing renewable energy. (Demo: #Aquion manufactures cheap, long-lasting batteries for storing renewable energy.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Another New Type of  Battery for solar energy  Hits the Road

Mount Pleasant in Pennsylvania will be the site for the production of yet another new type of battery. The company will be known as Aquion Energy and will start producing a new type of battery. Consequently, that was invented by professor J Whitacre. So, from the material science department of the Carnegie Mellon University.

These new type of battery is expected to cost about the same to produce as lead-acid ones. Naturally, that are in common use today for a multitude of applications. But are expected to last twice as long. They  will be primarily used for the storage of the suns power generated . Significantly, from Solar Panels for Electricity and  Turbines. Offering a storage facility for homes in rural and isolated areas. Knowingly, that use the off grid powered by the sun. So, which  supplies and require storage for night use and bad weather when the sun is not available. At the moment these people use different types of lead-acid ones and fossil fueled engines powered by diesel as standby supplies when the sun does not shine for whatever reasons.

For the reasons that I have explained this new type of battery

So, is expected to be used in countries that do not have an electric grid, but are expected to get electricity in the near future and because this new type of battery will be available for storage, then these countries will save a huge amount of money by running diesel generators when the sun does not shine and at night. I am sure that Africa will be one of the first places to benefit from such inventions.

The new company have also used ingenious ways of saving money during the manufacturing process of the new batteries, using machines that were originally used for making aspirin pills to make the thin plates used to make the positive and negative electrode materials. They also use parts from a sweet wrapping machine to pack the electrodes together to collect current.

The company expects to start full scale production in early 2014 and hopes to make enough batteries to supply 150 solar powered villages.

See on www.technologyreview.com

Caravan tyre Pressures

Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres-These Runflat tyres are undoubtedly a serious Safety Feature

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Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres

When I first heard about the Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres concept,

At first, I was a little bit skeptical. So, about how runflats would work? Say when the car was driven at eighty miles per hour on a wet busy motorway. However as time has gone on and with a little more research. Then I have got used to the idea of your car not having a spare wheel. Also the fact that the car does not swerve or deviate as the tyre is deflated at speed.

Now run-flat tyres are just part of the tyre scene. Our customers just accept the fact that if one goes flat and they have to drive home on it. Consequently, then they are going to need a new tyre at some stage in the future. I am a great advocate of road safety. Convinced at  the fact that tyres play a great part in the tyre safety picture.

Run-flat tyres are now part of that picture along with all the other safety features. Hence, that are being produced by innovative tyre companies at the moment. Such as “self-seal” technology. Recently, introduced by Continental tyres, Pirelli tyres and Kumho tyres.

The fact is that run-flat tyres are now being fitted to many cars. Now one of the leading makers of Run Flat Tyres . Of course, are the giant number one tyre company of the World, Bridgestone tyres. One of the growth markets for run-flat tyres is the larger and heavier premium cars. Such as Mercedes and BMW. Who have in fact worked side by side with Bridgestone to help develop this concept of tyre. Naturally which is safe for the driver and just as important to other road users.

Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres

If run-flat tyres are subject to a sudden pressure loss. So, then the car will keep driving in a straight line. Continuing on its journey. Of course,without any mishandling or deviation. So not causing any problems to the other drivers in the same vicinity. A normal car tyre that is subject to an instant loss of pressure would probably disintegrate at speed and because the car to deviate badly, this is, in fact, the cause of many car crashes, this could result in the car colliding with several other cars causing a very bad accident.

Another good point to remember is that there is no need to have to pull onto the shoulder and change your spare wheel? You can drive the car, to your nearest tyre centre. If you are a stranger to the area then I would suggest that you look up your nearest independent tyre centre. These centres are dotted all over the UK and are vetted for a fair price and give excellent service.

A slight drawback with run-flat tyres is

That once you have detected that the tyre is no longer inflated, then you are restricted to driving at 50 mph at a distance of 50 miles, but this can give most people ample time to get to the nearest town and have the tyre changed. Also for the old-fashioned amongst you then the cars with run-flats, do not have a spare, this was

originally to give the cars more space where the spare tyre would normally be sitting, also it lightens the weight of the car to help conform with emission controls.

Also, BMW Run Flat Tires Problems now run alongside with the TPMS systems (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems). This warns the driver if the tyres are losing any pressure, or in fact if the tyres have suffered from an instant loss of air. The warning light will illuminate and warn the driver that they have a problem with a tyre. This is a great all round system and is a great safety feature in many new models of cars that are now entering the marketplace, including the SUV models.

Other tyre companies also make the run-flat tyre and I believe that a budget tyre is available made by economy tyre company Wanli. Most of the leading tyre companies now make run-flat tyres and there is now a large choice available.

Caravan tyre Pressures

Self Sealing Tyre-

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Self Sealing Tyre

This is not a new Self Sealing Tyre from Kumho tyres?

This type of thing is not a new idea. Continental tyres recently brought out their own version of the self-sealing tyre. That they call the “Conti-Seal”. Pirelli tyres also do a similar thing that they call the “Seal-Inside”. (It is what it says on the tin) as they say.

This type of self-sealing tyre development is an excellent idea. Especially, for road safety and they all work on the same principal. Thus, the inside of the tread area is coated with “thick tacky sealant layer”. In the case of continental the sealant looks like thick black tar. So, when an object such as a screw or nail penetrates the tyre tread area. Then the hole is blocked by this substance. Consequently, only loses a small amount of tyre pressure. Enabling the driver to carry on their journey. Sometimes even not  knowing about the object stuck into their tyre.

In my opinion I think that this is a good idea. A step forward in the fight to better our road safety standard. Sometimes if a normal tyre is penetrated there will be a sudden loss of air in the tyres. Instantly deflating the tyre. Hence, causing the car to swerve and deviate off course. So, in the worse scenario could be causing a bad accident.

At the moment, Kumho is only using the self-sealing tyres in their own country. South Korea. But I guess it will not be long before the tyres are distributed across the Globe. So, to compete with Continental and Pirelli. I would have thought that the extra weight of the sealant could have jeopardised the handling of the cars. But apparently they handle just as good as a normal tyre.

Self Sealing Tyre

A Kumho spokesman said, “While the weight of a Self Sealing Tyre is about 10 percent higher than a normal tire, ride quality, braking performance, handling performance and noise levels are equivalent to normal tyres” so that answers my question?

I myself prefer this self-seal method to the “Continental Self Sealing Tyre”. It would also be of great advantage on caravans and trailers. But at the moment, I do not think that there are tyre sizes to fit this type of vehicle. I also feel that these new self- seal tyres should be used on the more new vehicle. Volkswagen was the first to use them. Securing an exclusive one-year deal with Continental Tyres UK Ltd for an exclusive use of the product, but this has now finished its time limit and the Self Sealing Tyre will probably available to other car manufacturers.  

Over the years the puncture problem has improved, I am old enough to remember when we fitted a tube into almost every puncture, but traffic was much lighter and we didn’t have many motorways. We still though repair many punctures a week and it makes me cringe at the way that car makers are trying their utmost to get away with having to fit spare wheels to cars.

 Self Sealing Tyre-We still get tyres presented to us that have sidewall damage,

But luckily for the driver, the car has had a spare wheel. I think that the small space saver wheels are a better compromise that no spare wheel at all because as I have said earlier, there are many cars that run over a sharp object and damage the sidewall and without a spare the driver is going to be stuck. A Continental Car Tyres Self Sealing Tyre would certainly get you home and a space saver would get you home but not a Self Sealing Tyre, the material would not plug a hole in the sidewall and the driver would be stranded.

My wife bought a Nissan Juke that did not have a spare so the first thing I did was to buy a spare alloy wheel and fit a tyre to match the others and we took it with us when we went on a long or important journey, just in case. See all about the new tyre in Kumho Tyre Reviews.